Oslo
Oslo restaurants: our guide to the best places to eat in the city
Seafood by the fjord, cosy wine bars, brunch with friends and world-class Michelin chefs. This is Picolo’s guide to Oslo restaurants, all in one place, and the hotels within walking distance of dinner.
In just a few years Oslo has become one of the most exciting food cities in the Nordics. You will find everything from Michelin-starred chefs and innovative Nordic cuisine to cosy neighbourhood restaurants, seafood straight from the fjord and bakeries where people queue for cardamom buns on Saturday mornings.
This page brings together Picolo’s guides to Oslo restaurants, sorted by what you are looking for, with tips on getting a table and the hotels within walking distance of dinner.
The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Picolo’s restaurant guides to Oslo
Warm and cosy restaurants
Cosy interiors, candlelight and food you will remember. We have gathered warm and cosy restaurants in Oslo, perfect for a date, an evening with friends or a dark November night.
Seafood by the fjord
In a glass box beside Akershus Fortress, Jonathan Romano serves some of the city’s most uncompromising seafood. Read about Aquarie, the seafood restaurant by the fjord.
Michelin and fine dining
Oslo has several Michelin-starred restaurants, and the city’s top chefs have put Norwegian food on the world map. Read the story of Jonathan Romano, the accidental Michelin chef.
Brunch and lunch
Weekends in Oslo often start with brunch. Here are the best places for brunch, lunch and breakfast in Oslo.
Christmas food
In December the restaurants fill with Christmas plates of ribbe and pinnekjøtt. Find the festive mood in our guide to Oslo Christmas markets.
Mathallen by the Akerselva river. Photo: Picolo
Where to eat in Oslo, neighbourhood by neighbourhood
Grünerløkka and Vulkan
Grünerløkka is packed with small restaurants, coffee bars and wine bars, and by the Akerselva river lies Mathallen, Oslo’s big food hall with stalls from Norwegian and international producers.
Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen
Along the harbour promenade, restaurants look out over the fjord, and many specialise in seafood. In summer the terraces stay busy late into the evening.
Bjørvika and Sørenga
Oslo’s newest district has restaurants between the Opera House, MUNCH and Barcode, many with views over the fjord and the bathing spots at Sørenga.
The centre and Kvadraturen
Around Karl Johan and in Kvadraturen you will find the city’s classic restaurants, from the historic Theatercaféen to Engebret Café, Oslo’s oldest restaurant.
Frogner
Frogner has elegant neighbourhood restaurants and bistros, and is perfect for a relaxed dinner after a walk in Vigeland Park.
Classics worth experiencing
Some restaurants have been part of Oslo’s story for generations. Theatercaféen in Hotel Continental has served artists, politicians and theatregoers for more than a century. At Frognerseteren you can end a walk in the forest with views over the city and the famous apple cake. And in Mathallen you can taste your way through Norwegian produce under one roof.
Tips for eating out in Oslo
Book a table: Popular restaurants fill quickly, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. Book a week ahead if you can.
Lunch is cheaper: Many restaurants offer a lunch menu with the same quality at a lower price.
Try seasonal produce: Shellfish in winter, fresh fish all year, and berries and mushrooms in autumn.
Tipping is optional: Service is included in Norway, but rounding up for good service is common.
Where to stay for the restaurants
Stay central and most restaurants are within walking distance. Here are three hotels we recommend for food lovers.
Hotel Continental: Theatercaféen downstairs
An elegant hotel by the National Theatre, home to one of the city’s most legendary restaurants.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Continental
Sommerro: restaurants and a rooftop in Frogner
A luxury hotel with several restaurants and a rooftop bar, in the former electricity board headquarters.
Book your stay: See rooms at Sommerro
Scandic Vulkan: by Mathallen
A modern hotel by Mathallen and the Akerselva river, with Grünerløkka’s restaurants right outside.
Book your stay: See rooms at Scandic Vulkan
Not sure which neighbourhood? Read our guide to where to stay in Oslo, neighbourhood by neighbourhood.
Frequently asked questions about Oslo restaurants
Where are the best restaurants in Oslo?
Grünerløkka, Aker Brygge, Bjørvika and the centre have the most restaurants. See our guides to cosy restaurants, seafood and brunch for specific tips.
Does Oslo have Michelin-starred restaurants?
Yes, Oslo has several Michelin-starred restaurants, and its top chefs are among the most acclaimed in the Nordics.
Do you need to book restaurants in Oslo?
For popular restaurants, especially at weekends, you should book well ahead.
What is Oslo’s oldest restaurant?
Engebret Café in Kvadraturen is considered Oslo’s oldest restaurant.